Critical Calls

Packing multiple devices might seem backwards given recent advances in wireless communications, but land mobile radios that allow users to communicate via a wireless network face distinctive challenges. Most notably, they often function only in a specific frequency, making it impossible for first responders in separate agencies and on different frequencies to talk to each other. Further complicating matters, two regulatory bodies are involved with radio spectrum: The Federal Communications Commission administers spectrum for nonfederal users such as state and local government, commercial businesses, and private individuals, while the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration oversees spectrum for federal agencies. Leading many of the initiatives at DHS is the Office of Emergency Communications, which Congress established in 2007 to address communications challenges that surfaced during Hurricane Katrina. The Office of Emergency Communications also supports Project 25 -- an open standard developed by public safety professionals that could offer the greatest promise for widespread wireless interoperability.